The police are following strong leads into the killing of a Police Constable in Chantilly, Westmoreland, last night (April 15).

Dead is 47-year-old Richard Barrett, who was assigned to the Little London Police Station.

Reports are that at about 8:30 pm, Barrett was at a bar he operated, when he was pounced upon by gunmen who opened fire hitting him.

He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Head of the police’s Corporate Communications Unit, Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay says investigators are considering robbery as the motive for Barrett’s killing.

She says the Constabulary is committed to conducting a thorough and detailed investigation, into the circumstances surrounding his murder.

Meantime, the Police High Command has condemned Barrett’s brutal murder.

It also expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain constable.

The force’s Chaplaincy Branch and Welfare Department are providing support.

Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is being encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 311 or the police 119 emergency number.